J. C. Higgins Curb Find! Please Help Identify...Please!

[partsguy]

I would not try to restore this bicycle. It is in excellent original condition, but also not a desirable classic. It’s a good commuter bike for the occasional rider.

 

[Robert Troub]

My son trash picked this bike yesterday and I'd like to restore it back to original. I've exhausted the interwebs trying to I.D. it. I know it's Sears & Roebuck probably 1960's. It looks in pretty darn good shape if it's as old as I think it is. Looks to be a single speed with coaster breaks...assuming what's left of it is original. Missing the crank and pedals. Numbers I've found are 503.4615U 17001(or 2)011? Can anyone give me an idea what it looked like originally? I think this will be a fun project. Thanks So Much in advance.

CORRECTION: Serial number is likely 503.46150 (not U)

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So just a wash, and maybe new grease...no restoration needed, as this bike has absolutely no resale value...just enjoy it....

 

[HEMI426]

Welcome to the Cabe Mike.

 

[juvela]

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sometimes it can be fun if you know the new price for a vintage bicycle to see what that would translate to in today's currency

went to a site which does this for you and a 35 dollar bicycle in 1954 translates to a 397 dollar bicycle in today's funds

inflation rate over that period of time is 1054%


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[MikeGyver]

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sometimes it can be fun if you know the new price for a vintage bicycle to see what that would translate to in today's currency

went to a site which does this for you and a 35 dollar bicycle in 1954 translates to a 397 dollar bicycle in today's funds

inflation rate over that period of time is 1054%


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Thanks. Yeah. That's the general impression I had. Even though it was sold as a budget bike, 35 bucks in '54 wasn't cheap.

 

[MikeGyver]

So just a wash, and maybe new grease...no restoration needed, as this bike has absolutely no resale value...just enjoy it....

Agreed. Just need to find the missing parts...crank, pedals, and chain guard.

 

[gkeep]

Amazing condition for it's age! Great find and could be a really nice cruiser for someone. Tell him to go back and find the matching mens bike in that condition.
This bike must have been stored forever in a nice dry basement or garage.

 

[MikeGyver]

Amazing condition for it's age! Great find and could be a really nice cruiser for someone. Tell him to go back and find the matching mens bike in that condition.
This bike must have been stored forever in a nice dry basement or garage.

Right?! At first I thought maybe it was circa 1970's because of the condition. Buy apparently it's almost 70 yrs old.

 

[MikeGyver]

@juvela Can you confirm what size sprocket this bike should have?

 

[juvela]

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the chainwheel dentition on these is typically between 44T and 46T for adult models

if an owner wishes to change the gearing they can always substitute a different cog in the rear

here is a closeup image of the chainset on a Sears - Steyr 3-speed machine

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